The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley

In this short and sweet episode, Ben farewells 2025, says Thank You and talks a little bit about how principles (rather than goals) can help you set intentions about how you want 2026 to go.  Thanks for listening in 2025, and Ben will be back around mid-January 2026.

Supporting your people doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode, Ben shares four key reminders leaders often forget. He explains why these fundamentals matter more than dramatic leadership techniques and how thoughtful leaders can use them to build trust and stability. Ben draws from coaching conversations and real workplace examples to help you support your team with confidence. Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Lead Effectively as a People Pleaser Make the Most of Motivation Models in Your Team Too Busy at Work? Try These Five Things Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment PRINT Assessment 16Personalities.com Episode 130: One-on-one Meetings Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1:1.  

In this episode, Ben introduces a straightforward model to help leaders give challenging feedback in a way that hopefully helps the receiver get on board with it. He explains each of the parts of the model and shares practical examples to show how the model works in real conversations. Ben also talks about common mistakes thoughtful leaders make, like softening the message too much or delaying feedback out of discomfort. The episode links closely to The Useful Feedback Journal, which helps leaders process feedback they receive and builds their confidence in asking for feedback. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Useful Feedback Journal - get your copy today. Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1:1.  

Many new leaders struggle when moving from individual contributor to leadership. In this episode, Ben breaks down why the transition feels so difficult, especially for thoughtful, high-performing people. He covers key mindset shifts including letting go of control, redefining success, prioritising relationships over tasks, and stepping into visibility even when it feels uncomfortable. Ben also shares stories from coaching clients who found leadership hard because they still identified as "doers", not leaders. Resources mentioned in this episode: Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1:1.  

In this episode, Ben explores whether it's possible to stay authentic while also adapting your leadership style. Drawing on coaching conversations and personality models like DISC and OCEAN, he explains why adaptability doesn't mean "changing who you are". Instead, adjusting your behaviour to meet the needs of different situations is both necessary and can still be genuine. Ben shares real examples from his facilitation and project management work, showing how leaders can honour their natural traits while flexing their approach when required. Resources mentioned in this episode: Thoughtful Leader Coaching Kerri Price - facilitation training.  

In this episode, Ben talks about the importance of balance in leadership: knowing when to step in and when to step back. He discusses common traps, like micromanaging or being overly hands-off, and helps leaders identify their "sweet spot" where they can provide enough guidance without stifling independence. Ben offers practical reflection questions and strategies to help you stay balanced, effective, and confident as a thoughtful leader. Resources: Work with Ben: Thoughtful Leader Coaching.

In this episode, Ben introduces The Useful Feedback Journal, a digital tool designed to help leaders process, accept, or reject feedback thoughtfully. Drawing from his own painful experience receiving harsh feedback after a workshop, Ben explains how the journal guides you through four stages – Retreat, Reflect, Extract, and Act – to turn feedback into growth rather than frustration. He also shares success stories from pilot users and outlines how journaling can help you track patterns and improve your response to feedback over time. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Useful Feedback Journal Thoughtful Leader Coaching.

In this episode, Ben explores a common leadership dilemma: how open should you really be with your team? While transparency builds trust, oversharing can create confusion or discomfort. Ben offers practical advice for finding the right balance between honesty and professionalism. He discusses when to share challenges and when to protect your team from unnecessary stress, helping thoughtful leaders navigate openness with self-awareness and confidence. Resources: Brené Brown's website: https://brenebrown.com/ Work with Ben 1:1 – Coaching for thoughtful leaders.

In this episode, Ben explains how knowing your personal values helps you lead with confidence. He shares how values act as a foundation, keeping you steady when challenges arise. Ben reflects on his own experiences and discusses how understanding your values can help you make decisions, handle pressure, and stop second-guessing yourself. He also introduces his small-group Values Discovery Sessions, designed to help leaders uncover their core values and use them to lead more authentically. Spaces are limited to 8 people, so book your spot now using this link: >>> Click here to book your place in an upcoming Values Discovery Session.

For the 300th episode, Ben tackles one of the most common challenges thoughtful leaders face: dealing with strong personalities at work. These colleagues may be direct, dominant, or results-focused - all traits that can feel intimidating or frustrating. Ben shares five practical tips, from avoiding direct confrontation to preparing well for interactions, so thoughtful leaders can hold their ground without trying to overcompensate or act like someone else. He reminds us that strong personalities aren't bad, just different, and that with the right strategies, you can work alongside them effectively while staying true to your own leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode: Article: Five Tips for Quiet Leaders. Thoughtful Leader Coaching - work with Ben 1 on 1.